Apparatus, system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second fixed jaw members in spaced relation relative to one another. An electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of the jaw members. The electrically conductive seal plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and communicate with a control system. The control system is configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members. A guide channel is disposed between the pair of fixed jaw members and extends proximally along the shaft from the distal end thereof. A knife is disposed at a proximal end of the guide channel and is configured to selectively cut tissue in a distal direction.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The following disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure and, more particularly, to an apparatus, system and method that utilizes energy to cut and/or section tissue.

2. Description of Related Art

Electrosurgical apparatuses (e.g., electrosurgical forceps) are well known in the medical arts and typically include a handle, a shaft and an end effector assembly operatively coupled to a distal end of the shaft that is configured to manipulate tissue (e.g., grasp and seal tissue). Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, seal, cut, desiccate, and/or fulgurate tissue

As an alternative to open electrosurgical forceps for use with open surgical procedures, many modern surgeons use endoscopes and endoscopic electrosurgical apparatus (e.g., endoscopic forceps) for remotely accessing organs through smaller, puncture-like incisions. As a direct result thereof, patients tend to benefit from less scarring and reduced healing time. Typically, the endoscopic forceps are inserted into the patient through one or more various types of cannulas or access ports (typically having an opening that ranges from about five millimeters to about twelve millimeters) that has been made with a trocar; as can be appreciated, smaller cannulas are usually preferred.

Endoscopic forceps that are configured for use with small cannulas (e.g., cannulas less than five millimeters) may present design challenges for a manufacturer of endoscopic instruments.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second fixed jaw members disposed in spaced relation relative to one another. An electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of the jaw members. The electrically conductive seal plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and communicate with a control system. The control system is configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members. A guide channel is disposed between the pair of fixed jaw members and extends proximally along the shaft from the distal end thereof. A knife is disposed at a proximal end of the guide channel and is configured to selectively cut tissue in a distal direction.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second fixed jaw members extending from the distal end of the shaft and disposed in spaced relation relative to one another. An electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of the jaw members. The electrically conductive seal plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and communicate with a control system. The control system is configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members. A guide channel is disposed between the pair of fixed jaw members and extends proximally along the shaft from the distal end thereof. The guide channel is configured to accommodate tissue therein. A knife is disposed at a proximal end of the guide channel and is configured to selectively cut tissue within the guide channel upon the application of a distal force to the electrosurgical apparatus.

The present disclosure also provides a method for performing an electrosurgical procedure. The method includes the initial step of providing an electrosurgical apparatus. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second fixed jaw members disposed in spaced relation relative to one another. An electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of the jaw members. The electrically conductive seal plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and communicate with a control system. The control system is configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members. A guide channel is disposed between the pair of fixed jaw members and extends proximally along the shaft from the distal end thereof. A knife is disposed at a proximal end of the guide channel and is configured to selectively cut tissue in a distal direction. The method also includes the steps of providing tension to the tissue disposed between the jaw members and applying a rotational force to the end effector assembly to facilitate contact between the tissue disposed between the jaw members and the tissue sealing plates. The method also includes the step of delivering electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to each of the tissue sealing plates to achieve a desired tissue effect. The method also includes the step of applying a distal force to the electrosurgical apparatus to facilitate the separation of tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical apparatus and electrosurgical generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an electrical configuration for connecting the electrosurgical apparatus to the electrosurgical generator depicted in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate the electrosurgical apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 in use; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for performing an electrosurgical procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

With reference to FIG. 1, bipolar forceps 10 is shown for use with various electrosurgical procedures and generally includes a housing 20, a handle assembly 30 having a pair of stationary handles 40, 50, a trigger assembly 70, a rotating assembly 80, a shaft 12, and an end effector assembly 100 having jaw members 110, 120 that mutually cooperate to seal and divide large tubular vessels and large vascular tissues. Jaw members 110, 120 are typically rigid, which normally keeps jaw members 110, 120 in an open position wherein jaw members 110, 120 are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another. Although the majority of the figures depict a bipolar forceps 10 for use in connection with laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures, the present disclosure may be used for more traditional open surgical procedures.

In the drawings and in the descriptions that follow, the term “proximal,” as is traditional, will refer to the end of the forceps 10 that is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to the end that is farther from the user.

Shaft 12 has a distal end 16 that defines the end effector assembly 100, such that end effector assembly 100 is monolithically formed therewith, and a proximal end 14 that mechanically engages the housing 20. In certain embodiments, end effector assembly 100 may be a separate component from shaft 12 wherein the distal end 16 of shaft is configured to mechanically engage the end effector assembly 100. Jaw members 110, 120 meet at a proximal end thereof to define a longitudinal guide channel 112 therebetween that extends proximally into the distal end 16 of shaft. A knife 122 configured to separate tissue is disposed at a proximal end of guide channel 112. As will be discussed in further detail below, an operator of forceps 10 may utilize movement of forceps 10 to guide tissue proximally along guide channel 112 to engage knife 122 and facilitate separation of the tissue through the application of a force on forceps 10 in the distal direction.

Forceps 10 includes an electrosurgical cable 410 that connects the forceps 10 to a source of electrosurgical energy, e.g., generator 200, shown schematically in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, cable 410 is internally divided into cable leads 410 a, 410 b and 425 b that are designed to transmit electrical potentials through their respective feed paths through the forceps 10 to the end effector assembly 100.

For a more detailed description of shaft 12, trigger assembly 70, rotation assembly 80, and electrosurgical cable 410 (including line-feed configurations aid/or connections) reference is made to commonly owned Patent Publication No. 2003-0229344, filed on Feb. 20, 2003, entitled VESSEL SEALER AND DIVIDER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME.

Each of the jaw members 110, 120 includes an electrically conductive sealing plate 118, 128, respectively, that connects to the generator 200 to communicate electrosurgical energy through the tissue held therebetween. Electrically conductive sealing plates 118, 128, which act as active and return electrodes, are connected to the generator 200 through cable 410.

Seal plates 118, 128 may be manufactured from stamped steel. This may be accomplished by stamping, by overmolding, by overmolding a stamped electrically conductive sealing plate and/or by overmolding a metal injection molded seal plate. Shaft 12 includes an insulator 117 (e.g., a coating or a sheath) disposed at least partially thereon (e.g., at distal end 16) such that sealing plates 118, 128 are substantially surrounded by the insulator 117. Insulator 117 is formed from any suitable dielectric material, for example, polymeric materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the like.

To prevent short-circuiting from occurring between the knife 122 and the seal plates 118, 128 distal thereto, knife 122 may be provided with an insulative material (not explicitly shown) applied thereto. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the portion of the knife 122 that is adjacent to the seal plate may be made from a non-conductive material.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of an electrosurgical generator 200 (generator 200) is shown. Generator 200 is operatively and selectively connected to bipolar forceps 10 for performing an electrosurgical procedure. As noted above, an electrosurgical procedure may include sealing, cutting, coagulating, desiccating, and fulgurating tissue all of which may employ RF energy. Generator 200 may be configured for monopolar and/or bipolar modes of operation. Generator 200 includes suitable components, parts, and/or members needed for a control system 300 (system 300) to function as intended. Generator 200 generates electrosurgical energy, which may be RF (radio frequency), microwave, ultrasound, infrared, ultraviolet, laser, thermal energy or other suitable electrosurgical energy.

An electrosurgical module 220 generates RF energy and includes a power supply 250 for generating energy and an output stage 252 which modulates the energy that is provided to the delivery device(s), such as an end effector assembly 100, for delivery of the modulated energy to a patient. Power supply 250 may be a high voltage DC or AC power supply for producing electrosurgical current, where control signals generated by the system 300 adjust parameters of the voltage and current output, such as magnitude and frequency. The output stage 252 may modulate the output energy (e.g., via a waveform generator) based on signals generated by the system 300 to adjust waveform parameters, e.g., waveform shape, pulse width, duty cycle, crest factor, and/or repetition rate. System 300 may be coupled to the generator module 220 by connections that may include wired and/or wireless connections for providing the control signals to the generator module 220.

With reference to FIG. 2, system 300 is configured to, among other things, analyze parameters such as, for example, power, tissue temperature, current, voltage, impedance, etc., such that a proper tissue effect can be achieved. System 300 includes one or more processors 302 in operative communication with a control module 304 executable on the processor 302, and is configured to, among other things, quantify electrical and thermal parameters during tissue sectioning such that when a threshold value for electrical and thermal parameters is met, the control system 300 provides a signal to a user to apply a force to tissue. Control module 304 instructs one or more modules (e.g., an output module 306) to transmit electrosurgical energy, which may be in the form of a wave or signal/pulse, via one or more cables (e.g., cable 410) to one or both of the seal plates 118, 128. Electrosurgical energy may be transmitted to each of the seal plates 118, 128 simultaneously or consecutively.

One or both of the jaw members 110, 120 may include one or more sensors 316. Sensors 316 are placed at predetermined locations on, in, or along surfaces of the jaw members 110, 120. In embodiments, end effector assembly 100 and/or jaw members 110 and 120 may have sensors 316 placed near a proximal end and/or near a distal end of jaw members 110 and 120, as well as along the length of jaw members 110 and 120.

In one embodiment, the control module 304 processes information and/or signals (e.g., tissue impedance and/or tissue temperature data from sensors 316) input to the processor 302 and generates control signals for modulating the electrosurgical energy in accordance with the input information and/or signals. Information may include pre-surgical data (e.g., tissue temperature threshold values) entered prior to the electrosurgical procedure or information entered and/or obtained during the electrosurgical procedure through one or more modules (e.g., OM module 306) and/or other suitable device(s). The information may include requests, instructions, ideal mapping(s) (e.g., look-up-tables, continuous mappings, etc.), sensed information, and/or mode selection.

In one embodiment, the control module 304 regulates the generator 200 (e.g., the power supply 250 and/or the output stage 252) which adjusts various parameters of the electrosurgical energy delivered to the patient (via one or both of the seal plates) during the electrosurgical procedure. Parameters of the delivered electrosurgical energy that may be regulated include voltage, current, resistance, intensity, power, frequency, amplitude, and/or waveform parameters, e.g., waveform shape, pulse width, duty cycle, crest factor, and/or repetition rate of the output and/or effective energy.

In one embodiment, the control module 304 includes software instructions executable by the processor 302 for processing algorithms and/or data received by sensors 316, and for outputting control signals to the generator module 220 and/or other modules. The software instructions may be stored in a storage medium such as a memory internal to the processor 302 and/or a memory accessible by the processor 302, such as an external memory, e.g., an external hard drive, floppy diskette, CD-ROM, etc.

In one embodiment, the control module 304 regulates the electrosurgical energy in response to feedback information, e.g., information related to tissue condition at or proximate the surgical site. Processing of the feedback information may include determining the following: changes in the feedback information, rate of change of the feedback information, and/or relativity of the feedback information to corresponding values sensed prior to starting the procedure (pre-surgical values) in accordance with the mode, control variable(s) and ideal curve(s) selected. The control module 304 then sends control signals to the generator module 220 such as for regulating the power supply 250 and/or the output stage 252.

Regulation of certain parameters of the electrosurgical energy may be based on a tissue response, such as recognition that a proper seal is achieved and/or when a predetermined threshold temperature value is achieved. Recognition of the event may automatically switch the generator 200 to a different mode of operation (e.g., “stand by” mode or “RF output mode”) and subsequently switch the generator 200 back to an original mode after the event has occurred. In embodiments, recognition of the event may automatically switch the generator 200 to a different mode of operation and subsequently shutoff the generator 200.

OM 306 (shown as two modules for illustrative purposes) may be digital and/or analog circuitry that can receive instructions from and provide status to a processor 302 (via, for example, a digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converter). OM 306 is also coupled to control module 304 to receive one or more electrosurgical energy waves at a frequency and amplitude specified by the processor 302, and/or transmit the electrosurgical energy waves along the cable 410 to one or both of the seal plates 118, 128. OM 306 can also amplify, filter, and digitally sample return signals received by sensors 316 and transmitted along cable 410.

A sensor module 308 senses electromagnetic, electrical, and/or physical parameters or properties at the operating site and communicates with the control module 304 and/or output module 306 to regulate the output electrosurgical energy. The sensor module 308 may be configured to measure, i.e., “sense”, various electromagnetic, electrical, physical, and/or electromechanical conditions, such as at or proximate the operating site, including: tissue impedance, tissue temperature, and so on. For example, sensors of the sensor module 308 may include sensors 316, such as, for example, optical sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), pressure sensor(s), tissue moisture sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), and/or real-time and RMS current and voltage sensing systems. The sensor module 308 measures one or more of these conditions continuously or in real-time such that the control module 304 can continually modulate the electrosurgical output in real-time.

In embodiments, sensors 316 may include a smart sensor assembly (e.g., a smart sensor, smart circuit, computer, and/or feedback loop, etc. (not explicitly shown)). For example, the smart sensor may include a feedback loop which indicates when a tissue seal is complete based upon one or more of the following parameters: tissue temperature, tissue impedance at the seal, change in impedance of the tissue over time and/or changes in the power or current applied to the tissue over time. An audible or visual feedback monitor may be employed to convey information to the surgeon regarding the overall seal quality or the completion of an effective tissue seal.

With reference now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, operation of bipolar forceps 10 under the control of system 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is now described. For illustrative purposes, tissue division is described subsequent to the application of electrosurgical energy for achieving a desired tissue effect (e.g., tissue sealing). With specific reference to FIG. 4A, a user grasps tissue (for example, with a surgical implement or suitable forceps 400) adjacent to the operating site and outside the seal zone and applies a pulling force “F” generally normal and along the same plane as the sectioning line. Application of the pulling force “F” provides tension to the desired tissue site for subsequent sealing and sectioning. With tension provided to the desired tissue site, the operator subsequently or substantially simultaneously rotates end effector assembly 100, as indicated by rotational arrow “R”, in either a clock-wise and/or counter clock-wise direction to cause tissue sealing plates 118, 128 to contact the desired tissue site. Control module 304 instructs one or more modules (e.g., OM 306) to transmit electrosurgical energy, which may be in the form of a wave or signal/pulse, via one or more cables (e.g., cable 410) to one or both of the tissue seating plates 118, 128 simultaneously or consecutively to effect a tissue seal. Rotation of end effector assembly 100 may be achieved via, for example, use of rotation assembly 80 and/or movement of bipolar forceps 10 relative to the tissue to cause one or more of sealing plates 118, 128 to contact the desired tissue site.

Upon reaching a desired tissue effect, such as a tissue seal, control system 300 may indicate (by way of an audio or visual feedback monitor or indicator, previously mentioned and described above) to a user that tissue is ready for sectioning. Referring specifically to FIG. 4B, with continued application of pulling force “F” to provide tension to the desired tissue site, the operator subsequently or substantially simultaneously applies a distal force “D” to forceps 10 to guide at least a portion of the effected tissue proximally along guide channel 112 and into engagement with knife 122 to sever the effected tissue, That is, the end effector assembly 100 is pushed distally with respect to the tissue by the operator to sever tissue with knife 122. As best shown in FIG. 4C, the application of pulling force “F” to the severed tissue separates the unwanted tissue from the operating site with minimal impact on the seal zone. The remaining tissue at the operating site is effectively sealed and the separated tissue may be easily discarded.

FIG. 5 shows a method 500 for performing an electrosurgical procedure. At step 502, an electrosurgical apparatus including a pair of rigid jaw members configured to seal tissue therebetween and including a guide channel having a knife is provided. At step 504, a force is applied to tissue adjacent the desired tissue site generally in a normal or transverse direction to provide tension to the desired tissue site. Subsequent to or substantially simultaneously with step 504, a rotational force is applied to an end effector assembly of the apparatus to facilitate contact between the rigid jaw members and the desired tissue site, in step 506. In step 508, electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator is directed through tissue between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. At step 510, with continued application of tension to the effected tissue site via the force in the normal or transverse direction, a distal force is subsequently or substantially simultaneously applied to the apparatus to facilitate the separation of tissue.

In embodiments, step 506 may include the step of applying the rotational force substantially simultaneously with delivering electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to seal plates 118, 128.

In embodiments, the step of applying the distal force may include the step of applying the distal force consecutively after audible or visible indication (e.g., a distinct audible tone, an illuminated LED on generator 200).

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure, the method comprising: providing an electrosurgical apparatus, including: an end effector assembly including first and second fixed jaw members in spaced relation relative to one another and permanently fixed relative to each other; an electrically conductive sealing plate operatively coupled to each of the jaw members; a guide channel disposed between the first and second fixed jaw members; and a knife disposed at a proximal end of the guide channel; disposing tissue between the jaw members; grasping tissue adjacent the tissue disposed between the jaw members using a surgical forceps to provide tension to the tissue disposed between the jaw members; rotating the end effector assembly to contact the tissue disposed between the jaw members with the sealing plates to seal the tissue disposed between the jaw members; delivering electrosurgical energy to the tissue disposed between the jaw members via each of the sealing plates to effect a tissue seal; and applying a distal force to the electrosurgical apparatus to cut the sealed tissue.
 2. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure according to claim 1, wherein rotating includes simultaneously delivering electrosurgical energy to the sealing plates.
 3. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure according to claim 1, wherein applying a distal force includes applying the distal force subsequent to at least one of an audible indication or a visible indication.
 4. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure according to claim 1, further comprising: quantifying at least one of an electrical parameter or a thermal parameter during tissue sectioning; and providing a signal to a user to apply the distal force based on the at least one quantified parameter.
 5. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure according to claim 1, further comprising: sensing at least one tissue property; and regulating the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue via the sealing plates based on the at least one sensed tissue property.
 6. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure according to claim 1, wherein providing tension includes providing tension during at least one of rotation of the end effector assembly or application of the distal force.
 7. A method for treating tissue using a bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising: positioning tissue between a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end of the bipolar electrosurgical instrument, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface disposed thereon; grasping tissue adjacent the tissue positioned between the jaw members using a surgical forceps to provide tension to the tissue positioned between the jaw members; rotating the pair of jaw members to contact the tissue positioned between the jaw members with the tissue sealing surfaces; delivering electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing surfaces while in contact with the tissue positioned between the jaw members to effect treatment thereof; and moving the bipolar electrosurgical instrument distally to cut the treated tissue. 